Author: On Common Ground News

North Goddard Road, between Rockland and Klondike Roads, will remain closed intermittently to through-traffic until Friday, Aug. 31. The county is replacing a sewer main and traffic will continue to be detoured onto Klondike and Rockland Roads. Lane closure signs will be in the area alerting motorists and residents about construction work and local traffic restrictions. For more information, visit the DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) website at www.dekalbwatershed.com, call the DWM Project Information Line at 1-800-986-1108 or email projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov.

Voices of Faith sets Back-to-School Bash in Rockdale Voices of Faith Ministries, 1290 Sigman Road, N.W., Conyers, will host a back-to-school bash on Saturday, July 28, noon to 3 p.m., 1290 Sigman Road, Conyers.   Community residents are encouraged to come and enjoy free food, music, health fair and get school supplies for their children, while supplies last.  Anyone who would like to donate school supplies for the event should contact Voices of Faith Ministries at 770-498-5850.   Springfield Baptist Church to host Back-2-School Bash, food pantry Springfield Baptist Church will hold its annual Back 2 School Bash and…

Stonecrest City Councilman Rob and his wife, DeKalb School Board member Vicki Turner will host the DeKalb Cultural Exchange community breakfast on Saturday, July 14, 9 a.m., at The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church (House of Hope), 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. The Cultural Exchange is partnering with the DeKalb County School District to host a mini career fair at the breakfast. The district is still in need of over 350 teachers.  “We are excited to partner with the District and to utilize our platform to inform stakeholders about employment opportunities.  The Districts/Regions that are being targeted are: 4; 5;…

Saint Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Road S.E., will host Workforce Wednesday, on July 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. DeKalb County residents can learn about Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act eligibility requirements, meet with eligible training providers and learn about high demand careers. The event will equip DeKalb County residents and employers with resources to assist individuals in overcoming barriers to employment, education and economic development. Interested candidates must register at www.workforce-wednesday.eventbrite.com.

KES, Inc. will host its 15th Annual Community Day of Inclusion on Saturday, July 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips road.  The family fun-filled event will provide enrichment resources for families of special needs individuals, as well as those who are physically, mentally and developmentally challenged.    There will be health screenings, information and fun activities that will integrate the individuals and families with special needs in a community-wide celebration.   KES Day Inc. is a nonprofit that provides housing and support services for people with disabilities. Traditionally, many of the disabled have limited access…

Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta has announced a new program to help local women and men dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.  As part of the organization’s Bold Goal to reduce current breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the U.S. by 2026, Komen Atlanta is launching the Komen Atlanta Treatment Assistance Program, which will provide financial assistance for local patients.   “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and getting the treatment they need to save their life. Yet we know that there are many barriers that often prevent breast cancer patients from accessing the…

  Family and friends are mourning the loss of the Rev. T.A. Bryant, Jr., a board member of the historic Flat Rock Archives in the city of Stonecrest(formerly Lithonia). Rev. Bryant, who was the grandfather of comedian and actor Chris Tucker, passed away on June 22. He was 96 years old. Rev. Bryant’s body will lie in state from 4 until 8 p.m. at Flat Rock Community Church, 4542 Evans Mill Road. His homegoing service will be held on Saturday, June 30, noon at Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist, 3800 Big Miller Grove Way, Stonecrest. Both churches are located in…

By Valerie J. Morgan There were a lot of questions and concerns about Georgia’s new hands-free law at the June 27 panel discussion hosted by State Rep. Doreen Carter, whose House District 92 includes parts of DeKalb and  parts of Rockdale counties.  Carter, in partnership with Pastor Eric Lee, Sr. of Springfield Baptist Church in Rockdale County, said she held the forum to inform the community about the new law, which becomes effective July 1.  Carter served on Georgia’s Distracted Driving Committee. She conducted the panel discussion with State Rep. Pamela Stephenson, who is a defense attorney; DeKalb State…

By Valerie J. Morgan Senior Connections is shutting down after 45 years of delivering meals and other programs to senior citizens throughout metro Atlanta.  DeKalb County officials say, however, the county government is contracting with vendors to ensure DeKalb seniors continue receiving services effective July 1.  Open Hand Atlanta will manage congregate and home-delivered meals. Jo Jo Home Healthcare Providers Inc. and Rem-Kits Health Care Services Inc., will handle in-home senior services. Rem-Kits Adult Day Care Services Inc.  will handle adult day care and respite services. The county’s Department of Human Services Office of Aging will provide senior center management…

The DeKalb County State Court Traffic Division is offering an amnesty program to individuals facing penalties for delinquent traffic tickets.  This waives contempt fees for failure to appear in court for individuals facing penalties due to delinquent traffic tickets. The registration period for this program ends on July 9. “The goal of our citation amnesty program is to provide individuals with open or delinquent citations an opportunity to efficiently resolve their matters and restore their driving record,” said Presiding Judge Shondeana Morris. The program is available to any individual with citations issued from January 2010 to December 2017. Court sessions…